Ayodhya Illuminated: The Divine Glory of Deepotsav 2025

Manoj Singh Chandel / K.P. Singh

Ayodhya: Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram, turned into a celestial spectacle during Deepotsav 2025, radiating devotion, pride, and cultural magnificence. On Sunday evening, as millions of lamps flickered across the holy city, it seemed as though the Treta Yuga had returned to earth. The grand celebrations at Ramkatha Park, graced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, recreated the symbolic coronation of Lord Ram. The atmosphere reverberated with Vedic chants, flower showers, and resonant cries of “Jai Shri Ram,” enveloping the city in divine energy.

A Glimpse of Ram Rajya

The centerpiece of the celebration was the coronation of Lord Ram, portrayed in divine splendor on a golden throne alongside Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna, and Hanuman. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the traditional aarti and rituals in the role of Guru Vashishtha, symbolically restoring the ideals of Ram Rajya — a reign of virtue, justice, and compassion. As priests chanted sacred hymns, the scene turned surreal, moving many devotees to tears.

A City of a Million Lights

From the ghats of the Sarayu to Hanuman Garhi, Lata Chowk, and Dharmapath, Ayodhya shimmered like a galaxy of light. Rows of diyas lined every lane and riverbank, transforming the city into a living temple of devotion. Pilgrims lit lamps, sang bhajans, and recorded the divine glow on their phones. For a moment, it felt as if celestial beings themselves had descended to adorn the sacred city.

An Emotional Reunion: Bharat Milap

One of the most poignant moments came with the enactment of the legendary Bharat Milap. As Bharat fell at Lord Ram’s feet, the entire crowd erupted in chants of “Jai Shri Ram!”

Saints Praise the Revival of Faith

Prominent saints and spiritual leaders hailed Yogi Adityanath’s vision for transforming Ayodhya into a beacon of global Hindu identity. Former MP Dr. Ram Vilas Vedanti Maharaj said, “The Chief Minister has achieved what many deemed impossible — restoring Ayodhya’s divine stature.” Jagatguru Raghavacharya remarked that Yogi had revived the legacy of King Vikramaditya, while Jagatguru Vasudevacharya observed, “Lord Ram was born in the solar dynasty, and His grand temple has risen during the rule of Yogi Adityanath — the symbol of the sun itself. It is destiny’s design.”

Faith’s Triumph Over Darkness

In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that Deepotsav was not merely a festival of lamps but a celebration of faith’s triumph over five centuries of darkness. “Those who once ordered bullets on Ram devotees now tremble before the light of these lamps,” he said, in a stirring reminder of India’s civilizational resurgence.

He proudly announced that the Deepotsav, which began in 2017 with 1.71 lakh lamps, had now grown into a record-breaking celebration — 26 lakh lamps in Ayodhya alone and over 1.51 crore across Uttar Pradesh. “This is the victory of every devotee’s faith,” he said, as fireworks illuminated the sky and the Sarayu mirrored the glow of countless flames.

From Devotion to Development

Yogi emphasized that the festival stood not only for spirituality but also for Atmanirbhar Bharat — a self-reliant India. “Ayodhya today is a confluence of devotion, development, and modernity,” he noted. The Chief Minister reminded the crowd that Ayodhya, once neglected, had now transformed into a hub of faith, infrastructure, and cultural revival. “Today, pilgrims from across India and the world are arriving here — this is the dawn of a new, global Ayodhya,” he said.

The Living Spirit of Ram Rajya

The Chief Minister drew parallels between the governance ideals of Ram Rajya and the present-day welfare policies of his government. “In Ram Rajya, there was no one poor or distressed. Today, we strive to achieve that vision — homes for the homeless, toilets, free health insurance, and dignity for all. This is the true spirit of modern Ram Rajya — where faith and development walk hand in hand.”

Ayodhya’s New Identity

Today’s Ayodhya is no longer just a spiritual capital but a cultural and economic renaissance center. The grand temple of Ram Lalla, the Lata Mangeshkar Smarak, and memorials to Nishadraj, Mata Shabari, and Jatayu enrich the city’s spiritual landscape. The newly developed infrastructure, artistic lighting, and enhanced tourism facilities have given Ayodhya a global identity — a blend of devotion and progress.

Youth and the Light of Faith

Students and volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University created a massive swastika formation with lamps, drawing applause from thousands. Sanskrit students chanted hymns, saying, “Ayodhya today feels like heaven.” The youth hailed Yogi Adityanath as a “visionary icon,” crediting him with turning Ayodhya into a living embodiment of faith and national pride.